The City of Pickering’s nuclear refurbishment project is set to generate clean, reliable energy for millions while creating thousands of skilled jobs.
Nuclear energy is affordable, reliable, clean, and sustainable. This zero-emission source of energy is responsible for about 15 per cent of Canada’s electricity, and around 50 per cent of Ontario’s. Canada currently has four operational nuclear power plants — three in Ontario and one in New Brunswick — which combined house 22 nuclear power reactors.
One of these plants is the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS), located in the City of Pickering, just east of Toronto and on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Owned and operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), PNGS has been generating power for Ontario residents for over five decades. Now, it’s poised to help shape the province’s energy future through a major refurbishment initiative.
A part of Canada’s clean energy capital
Pickering has been a nuclear host community since 1971. Being a hub for nuclear energy has helped to shape the city’s identity, strengthened its economy, and helped position the Durham Region as a leader in Canada’s clean energy transition.
Four of Pickering’s eight reactor units — units 5 to 8 — are currently licensed to operate through December 2026. OPG, with the support of Province of Ontario, has submitted a request for a 10-year licence renewal, which includes approval to refurbish these units and extend their operation for another 30-plus years — an initiative projected to bring major benefits to both the city and the province.
“Recognized as one of Canada’s most livable cities, Pickering plays a vital role in Durham Region’s leadership as the clean energy capital of Canada,” says Mayor Kevin Ashe. “The refurbishment of PNGS will create thousands of skilled jobs, strengthen energy resilience, and support the electrification of our economy while helping to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
Recognized as one of Canada’s most livable cities, Pickering plays a vital role in Durham Region’s leadership as the clean energy capital of Canada.
Driving economic opportunity
Once the project is complete, PNGS will produce over 2,100 megawatts of electricity — enough to power two million homes and businesses across the province. It’ll also be an economic boon for the City of Pickering, bringing not only thousands of highly skilled jobs to the City but also multi-billion dollar economic impact throughout the refurbishment period, benefiting Durham Region and beyond.
Many local companies will play a vital role to support every step of the nuclear energy process. Beyond OPG, many construction and engineering services companies, contractors, electronic instrumentation distributors, IT and strategy consultants, and nuclear power plant lifecycle support services will play a critical role in the refurbishment project. Key players include Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Black & McDonald Ltd., Framatome, Alithya, Tetra Tech, and BWX Technologies/Kinectrics.
The PNGS refurbishment project is currently in the planning and preparation phase, and the full refurbishment is expected to begin in 2027 and to be completed by the mid-2030s. It’s an exciting time for the City of Pickering, the Durham Region, Ontario, and, indeed, all of Canada — further cementing our role as a global leader in clean energy innovation and sustainable development.
To learn more, visit pickering.ca.
